Do I need a permit to run wire to my shed in Ottawa?

Yes, you almost certainly need an ESA permit to run electrical wiring to your shed in Ottawa. Any new circuit installation — including running power from your home to a detached structure like a shed — requires a permit under Ontario regulations.

Here's how it works in practice. Your electrician pulls the permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before work begins, completes the installation to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), and then an ESA inspector visits to verify everything is done correctly. You'll receive a Certificate of Inspection once it passes — this is important documentation for your home insurance and future property sales.

Why the permit matters for a shed specifically. A shed circuit isn't just about running wire — there are real code requirements involved. The method of getting power to the shed matters: underground cable must be buried at the correct depth (typically 600mm for certain cable types, though your electrician will confirm the right method for your situation), and the shed itself needs proper protection. If the shed has any plumbing or wet areas, GFCI protection is required on receptacles. A disconnect means of some kind is typically required at the detached structure as well. These aren't just bureaucratic checkboxes — they prevent fires and electrocution.

What this typically costs in Ottawa. Running power to a shed usually involves installing a new dedicated circuit, trenching or overhead wire, and a small subpanel or disconnect in the shed. In the Ottawa market, expect to pay roughly $800 – $1,500 for a straightforward shed circuit, depending on distance from your panel, trenching requirements, and how much capacity your existing panel has. If your panel is already full or undersized, costs go up.

Don't skip the permit. Unpermitted electrical work is one of the most common reasons home insurance claims get denied after a fire. It also creates headaches when you sell your home — buyers and their inspectors will ask about it. The permit process exists to protect you, not just to generate paperwork.

For your specific situation — distance to the shed, what you plan to power in it, and your panel's current capacity — it's worth having a licensed electrician take a look before you plan the project. For a free estimate, feel free to reach out to Electrical Ottawa and we can walk you through exactly what your shed installation would involve.